Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Syphilis and Gonorrhea?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Syphilis and Gonorrhea?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Syphilis and gonorrhea are both bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but they have different modes of transmission, symptoms, and treatment. Here are the key differences between the two:

Modes of Transmission:

  • Syphilis transmission most commonly occurs through skin-to-skin contact with sores (called "chancres"), usually found on the genitals, anus, mouth, lips, or skin.
  • Gonorrhea is primarily transmitted during sexual activities by infected fluids such as semen, precum, and front hole fluids.

Symptoms:

  • Syphilis symptoms differ by stage, with the primary stage being a painless chancre, which can go away without treatment in 3 to 6 weeks. The secondary stage involves a rash, which may appear on the soles of the feet and palms.
  • Gonorrhea often causes no symptoms, but when present, they may include painful urination, vaginal or penile discharge, and inflammation of the genital area.

Treatment:

  • Syphilis is generally treated with one or two penicillin injections (usually in the buttocks).
  • Gonorrhea is usually treated with a course of antibiotics, such as azithromycin.

It is possible for a person to have both syphilis and gonorrhea simultaneously. Both infections can be cured with appropriate treatment, but it is crucial to practice safe sex and get tested regularly, as it is possible to become reinfected.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Syphilis and Gonorrhea?
  • Comparative Table: Syphilis vs Gonorrhea

    • Comparative Table: Syphilis vs Gonorrhea

    Here is a table outlining the differences between syphilis and gonorrhea:

    Feature Syphilis Gonorrhea
    Causative Bacteria Treponema pallidum Neisseria gonorrhoeae
    Transmission Mainly through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from mother to fetus Mainly through sexual contact, including oral, anal, and vaginal sex
    Modes of Infection Blood, cuts in the skin, mucous membranes, and genital sores (chancres) Urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, and eyes (through oral, anal, or vaginal sex)
    Symptoms Chancre sores, rash, mucous membrane lesions, fever, headache, and fatigue Urethral or cervical discharge, dysuria (painful urination), lower abdominal or pelvic pain, and fever
    Complications Long-term: damage to the heart, brain, nerves, liver, eyes, and bones if left untreated Long-term: pelvic inflammatory disease, epididymitis, proctitis, infertility, and disseminated gonococcal infection
    Prevention Using condoms, reducing the number of sexual partners, and regular STI testing Using condoms, reducing the number of sexual partners, and regular STI testing
    Treatment Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin) Antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone, azithromycin, and doxycycline)

    Both syphilis and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria and can be prevented through the use of condoms and other safe sex practices. They are both curable, but it is possible to be reinfected.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.